🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Mirage

Year:

1997

Chassis Code:

CE9A (Coupe/Sedan), CJ2A (Sedan/Hatchback)

Engine Code Common:

4G92 (1.6L SOHC/DOHC)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Subcompact car

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, urban commuters.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra.

Design Philosophy:

Fuel efficiency, affordability, and practicality.

Body Styles Available:

4-door sedan and 3-door hatchback.

Strengths:

Excellent fuel economy, low purchase price, compact size for urban maneuverability, reliable basic transportation.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Complete service, repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage.

Estimated Page Count:

~1500-2000 (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine removal/installation, cylinder head, cylinder block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, lubrication system, cooling system, timing belt/chain replacement, valve timing.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control systems, engine diagnostics, troubleshooting.

Transmission:

Manual transmission (clutch, gears, synchros), Automatic transmission (torque converter, valve body, planetary gearsets), transmission removal/installation, fluid service.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive system, drive axles, CV joints, differential.

Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints), Rear suspension (torsion beam, trailing arms), shock absorbers, springs, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Steering gear, power steering system (pump, rack, hoses), steering column, tie rods.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or optional rear discs), hydraulic system, ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Battery, starting system, charging system (alternator), ignition system, lighting system, fuses and relays, wiring diagrams, body control modules.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heating system, blower motor, refrigerant type and capacity, troubleshooting.

Body And Frame:

Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, corrosion protection, chassis repair.

Diagnostics:

OBD-I/OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and troubleshooting procedures, general diagnostic strategies.

Preventative Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, tire rotation, brake inspection.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic approaches to diagnosing common and uncommon problems, symptom-based troubleshooting.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation for all major vehicle systems.

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components such as engines, transmissions, and brake calipers.

Installation Guides:

Guidance for installing replacement parts and accessories.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

In-depth diagnostic charts, wiring diagrams, and component testing procedures.

Torque Specifications:

All critical torque specifications for engine, chassis, and body fasteners.

Clearances And Tolerances:

Engine component clearances, bearing tolerances, and other critical measurements.

Diagrams And Illustrations:

Detailed diagrams, exploded views, and step-by-step illustrations for clarity.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF (depends on original scan quality).

Resolution:

High-resolution scans, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder

Displacement:

1.6 Liters (1597 cc)

Valvetrain:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 16 valves.

Horsepower Sohc:

~103 hp @ 6000 rpm (estimated, varies by market and specific tune)

Torque Sohc:

~100 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (estimated)

Horsepower DOHc:

~133 hp @ 6500 rpm (for GSR/RS models, estimated)

Torque DOHc:

~107 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (for GSR/RS models, estimated)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for performance models).

ECM:

Engine Control Module (ECM) controlling fuel, ignition, and emissions.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Type:

4-speed automatic transmission

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., Mitsubishi Diaqueen Gear Oil GL-4 75W-85, or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III/Mercon ATF (e.g., Mitsubishi Diaqueen ATF-SP II M, or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

~163.0 inches (Sedan) / ~161.5 inches (Hatchback)

Width:

~66.5 inches

Height:

~54.0 inches

Wheelbase:

~97.6 inches

Curb Weight:

~2200 - 2500 lbs (depending on trim and body style)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

N/A (typically not prominently listed for this class)

Trunk Volume:

~12.4 cubic feet (Sedan)

Hatch Volume:

~7.7 cubic feet with rear seats up (Hatchback)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

Not specifically rated by NHTSA for this year in easily accessible archives, but known to be a basic safety structure.

ABS:

Optional on some trims, standard on performance models (e.g., GSR).

Traction Control:

Not typically available on this model.

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional on some trims.

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seat belts.

Crumple Zones:

Designed with front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims. Speaker configuration typically 2 or 4 speakers.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels or as an option.

Power Windows Locks:

Optional on base models, standard on higher trims.

Auxiliary Inputs:

Not standard; aftermarket solutions would be required for USB/Bluetooth connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 3,750 - 5,000 miles (or 6 months), whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.

Oil Filter Replacement:

Replace with every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial interval, typically every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years. This is an interference engine, so failure can cause catastrophic damage.

Engine Oil Type:

API SJ or SL rated, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (consult manual for specific temperature ranges).

Engine Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant (e.g., Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant, or a quality green or orange coolant).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check specific vehicle application).

Engine Mounts:

Wear and tear leading to vibration, particularly when in gear.

Automatic Transmission:

Occasional rough shifting or slippage, often due to fluid degradation or solenoid issues.

Radiator And Hoses:

Age-related degradation of plastic radiator tanks and rubber hoses, leading to leaks.

Suspension Components:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings due to mileage and road conditions.

Cv Joints:

Torn CV boots can lead to premature wear of the joints.

Ignition System:

Spark plug wires and distributor cap/rotor can degrade over time, affecting performance and fuel economy.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Motors:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer with a history dating back to 1917 (as a shipbuilder) and automotive production starting in the early 20th century.

Mirage Generations:

The 1997 model year falls into the third generation of the Mitsubishi Mirage (chassis code A150, and later C50/D50 platform for some markets, but this 1997 is part of the global Lancer platform sharing, often designated as CE9A/CJ2A).

Platform Sharing:

This generation of Mirage often shared its platform and many components with the Mitsubishi Lancer.

Production Period:

The third generation Mirage was produced from roughly 1991/1992 to 1995/1996, with some markets extending this run or updating the styling. The 1997 model year may represent a late production model or a market-specific variant.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Japan, with global production and assembly in various countries through joint ventures and licensing.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Fuel Economy:

Consistently recognized for strong fuel economy in its class by automotive publications.

Value For Money:

Often cited as a good value proposition in the entry-level car market.